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PRESS RELEASE: U.S. Representative Massie Speaks Against the Internet Sales Tax on House Floor

U.S. Representative Massie Speaks Against the Internet Sales Tax on House Floor

“For the first time in history, with this bill, Congress would grant states jurisdiction beyond their physical borders”

WASHINGTON – Yesterday, Representative Thomas Massie led a 30-minute Special Order speech on the House Floor along with fellow Reps. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) and Steve Daines (R-MT). The Congressmen spoke in opposition to H.R. 684, the Marketplace Fairness Act, otherwise known as the Internet sales tax. In addition to the speech, Massie earlier spearheaded the circulation of a letter to House leadership objecting to the bill.

“I’m a strong proponent of the tenth amendment. But this bill does not protect states’ rights,” said Rep. Massie. “In fact, this bill changes the very constitutional fabric of the United States of America by subjecting people and businesses in one state to taxes and regulations of another state. This is unprecedented.”

The Marketplace Fairness Act, which the Senate passed 69-27, would force online businesses, even those located in states with no sales tax, to act as tax collectors for states and local jurisdictions across the nation. Additionally, the bill would subject Americans to taxes and regulations from jurisdictions in which they have no representation.

Massie continued: “For the first time in history, with this bill, Congress would grant states jurisdiction beyond their physical borders. If this bill passes, we’ll have a virtual United States of America, where borders no longer mean anything. Justice Marshall ruled that the power to tax is the power to destroy. And we were reminded last week by the IRS that the power to tax is the power to harass.”